Dalcroze

Jaques-Dalcroze Emile Jaques-Dalcroze (July 6, 1865 – July 1, 1950), was a Swiss composer, musician and music educator who developed eurhythmics, a method of learning and experiencing music through movement. BASIC PRINCIPLES Inherent in his method are these basic principles &endash; truths he believed to be omnipresent. These six principles are: †¢The beginning of music happens when human emotions are translated into musical motion; †¢We experience emotions physically; Through our sensations of various muscular contractions and releases in our bodies, we sense emotion; †¢The body expresses internal emotions by externalizing affect through movements, postures, gestures, and sounds. Some of these are automatic, some spontaneous, and others the results of thought and will; †¢Internal emotions are translated into music through motions such as breathing, singing or playing an instrument; †¢The first instrument that must be trained in music is the human body . THE JAQUES-DALCROZE METHOD Choksy (1986) defines Eurhythmics as follows: â€Å"Eurhythmics . . is . . . based on the premise that rhythm is the primary element of music, and that the source for all rhythm may be found in the natural rhythms of the body. † Eurhythmics integrates three approaches: †¢ Solfege (the study of theory, harmony, and scales); http://www. youtube. com/watch? v=9qK6seVVBQ0 †¢ Improvisation (the development of a unified internal ear and body); †¢ Rhythmics (the exploration of inner and outer effects of rhythm in relation to the above two elements). Further, Jaques-Dalcroze developed a formula for the production of Eurhythmia:Space + Time + Energy + Weight + Balance + Plasticity = Eurhythmia? Gravity The best music happens when all of the above are balanced. The Jaques-Dalcroze method seemingly redefines the basic elements of music to fit within scientific definitions. It is a well established fact that all things are made up of matter. Ma tter is comprised of energy. Matter flows through space; energy flows through space. Matter (energy) flowing through space is called motion. Motion appears in music as beats. Those beats release their energy in various ways.The beat therefore is dependent upon the level of energy applied and the density of the space applied. Beats have a specified duration, or time value. The quality of the time is dependent upon how the beat is struck, sustained and released. Jaques-Dalcroze found that his students associated dynamic (energy) changed with tempo (time) changes, i. e. , softer meant slower also. This however is not the case. One goal of the method is to gain independence of time and energy as related to change so that students could indeed play a musical selection softer without getting slower.Beats have weight. Science defines weight as a body's attraction to the earth (which is related to gravity). When one watches a good conductor in front of an ensemble, one can sense weight in h is every stroke and pattern. Weight can also be perceived in a line of music. A solo line would have less weight than that of an eight part chorus. Likewise, the addition of low-sounding instruments in an orchestration gives a greater sense of weight. Note duration can also de indicative of weight (in appearance). Balance can be achieved only when weight is kept in control.Balance is a vital element of rhythm. (Caldwell,1995) The ultimate goal of the Jaques-Dalcroze method is to achieve a balance between all the elements that comprise the beat; space, energy, plasticity, and weight. It is impossible to separate the elements, therefore the method focuses on individual elements of the beat. Jaques-Dalcroze defines plasticity as the quality of the movement between the pitches. This is what makes the performance alive and vibrant and is largely responsible what the audience sees and hears.I think of plasticity as that gesture, expression or image that the performer conveys along with th e other elements of the beat. As mentioned earlier the ultimate goal of the Jaques-Dalcroze method is improvisation: the creation of original sound. According to Jaques-Dalcroze method, improvisation incorporates the following: †¢ Use of all faculties †¢ Exploration of movement with our bodies; †¢ Imagination and creativity; †¢ Consciousness of space and time around us; †¢ Flexibility and agility; †¢ Motor coordination; †¢ Expression through use of the body and sound; Careful and critical listening; †¢ Concentration and attentiveness; and †¢ Flexibility. The study of the Jaques-Dalcroze method requires the utmost in attention, concentration, memory, and ability to reproduce. It is a disciplined study. The role of the educator thus becomes one who focuses the energy inherent in students and transfers that energy into the production of eurhythmia. THE CLASSROOM SETTING In my experiences it is evident that it would be difficult to train anyo ne effectively in the Jaques-Dalcroze method unless it was begun at an early age.Dalcroze himself recommended â€Å"to bring children to art at an age when they have not yet been intellectualized into analyzing before observing, and expressing before experiencing. † (Dalcroze,1922) In short, the method would have to be taught during the age of innocence. The theory would also have to be constantly reinforced throughout life, even in college. The method has obvious merit in the elementary school, because it involves movement. Children learn best when moving, feeling, touching, sensing, and seeing things close at hand. The Jaques-Dalcroze method achieves just that. http://www. youtube. com/watch? v=n5DdjXZkPfg

Political Risks in International Marketing

Assessing the political environment is an important part in any business decision. Laws and regulations passed by either local, regional and central government bodies can affect foreign firms' operations. Also, firms are comfortable assessing the political climates in their home countries. However, assessing the political climates in other countries is still problematic. Classification and description of political risks When doing international business, the manager may face several types of financial risks.The major types of financial risks are commercial risks, political risks, exchange rate risks, and other such as inflation-related risks. Thus, political risks are non commercial risks. Political risks are any changes in the political environment that may adversely affect the value of a firm's business activities. Political risks may occur in any nation, but the risks vary considerably between countries. We may distinguish two types of classification of political risks. A classifi cation based on the characteristic of political risks and a classification or categorization based on the local government actions or control.Classification based on the characteristics of political risks Characteristics refer to as the facts that are inherent to each political risk. In other terms, their uniqueness or what make them different from one another. There are three types of such characteristics: ownership risks, operating risks, and transfer risks. Ownership risk In which the property of the firm is threatened through expropriation, confiscation or domestication. Ownership risk exposes property and life. The triad will be explained in the second classification. Operating risk  In which there is interference with the firm operations.The ongoing operations of the and/or the safety of its employees are threatened through changes in laws, environmental standards, tax codes, terrorism, armed insurrection or wars, and so forth. Transfer risk  In which the government interf eres with a firm's ability to shift funds into and out of the country. Classification based host country actions We can distinguish two types: political risks out of the government control and political risk induced by the government. Political risks out of government control. There are risks or events arise from nongovernmental actions, factors that are outside the government responsibility.There are  wars, revolution, coup d'etat, terrorism, strikes, extortion, and kidnappings. They all derived from some unstable social situation, with population frustration and intolerance. All these risks can generate violence, directed towards firms' property and employees. We may also have the case of  externally induced financial constraints and externally imposed limits on imports or exports, especially in case of embargoes or any economic sanctions against the host country. Political risks induced by the government These risks constitute some laws directed against foreign firms. Some go vernment-induced risks are very drastic.There are expropriation, confiscation and domestication. Expropriation  is the seizure of foreign assets by a government with payment of compensation to the owners. In other terms, it is involuntary transfer of property, with compensation, from a privately owned firm to a host country government. Expropriation may generate some funds for the owners. However, procedures to get paid from the government are sometimes protracted and the final amount remains low. Furthermore, if no compensation is paid, conflicts may erupt between the host country and the country of the expropriated firm.For instance, the relations between U. S. and Cuba acknowledge such situation, since Cuba does not offer compensation to U. S. firms that have their assets sized. 3(*)  Also, expropriation can refrain other companies from investing in the concerned country. Confiscation  is another type of ownership risk similar to expropriation, except compensation. It is in voluntary transfer of property, no compensation, from a privately owned firm to a host country government. In confiscation, firms do not receive any funds from government. Thereby, it represents a more risky situation for foreign firms.Some industries are more vulnerable to confiscation than others because of their importance to the host countries and their lack of ability to shift operations. Sectors such as mining, energy, public utilities, and banking have been targets of such government actions. Domestication  offers to governments a subtle control over the foreign investments. There is a partial ownership transfer and companies are urged to prioritize local production and to retain a large share of the profit within the country. Domestication can negatively impact the international marketer activities, as well as that of the entire firm.For example, if foreign companies are forced to hire nationals as managers, poor cooperation and communication can result. If domestication w as imposed within a short time span, poorly trained and inexperienced local managers would head the firm operations with possible lost of profits. Other government actions-related risks  are less dangerous but more common such as  boycott, sabotage. When facing shortage of foreign currency, government, sometimes, attempts to  control the movement of capital  in and out of the country. Often,  exchange controls  are levied selectively against certain products or companies.Exchange controls limit importation of goods so that firms might be confronted with difficulties in their regular transactions. Severe restrictions on import  can be a motive for foreign corporate to shut down. Governments may also raise the tax rate applied to foreign investors in order to control them and their capital. Government may implement a  price control system. Such control uses to derive from a sensitive political situation. For example, social pressure may result in a kind of price standa rdization for particular sectors like food, transportation, fuel, and healthcare.Political risks like arms conflicts, insurrection may affect all firms in the country equally. For that reason they are called  macro political risks. Unlike, nationalization, strikes, expropriation may affect only a handful and specific firm, they are named  micro political risks. Impact of some political risks Some negative effects of political risks on firm are summarized in the following table. Table 1. Holistic table summarizing the major political risks and their effects on firms TYPES| IMPACT ON FIRMS| Expropriation| Loss of future profits| | | Confiscation| Loss of assets| Loss of future profits| | | Campaigns against foreign goods| Loss of sales| | Increased costs of public relations efforts to improve public image| | | Mandatory labor benefits legislation| Increased operating costs| | | Kidnappings, terrorists threats, and other forms of violence| Disrupted production| | Increased security costs| | Increased managerial costs| | Lower productivity| | | Civil wars| Destruction of property| | Lost sales| | Disruption of production| | Increased security costs| | Lower productivity| | | Inflation| Higher operating costs| | Repatriation| Inability to transfer funds freely| | | Currency devaluations| Reduced value of repatriated earnings| | | Increased taxation| Lower after-tax profits| | | Source, Ricky W. Griffin, International business, 2005, page 73 In long run, and depending on the severity of the risks, action taken by government may decrease income and be detrimental to the host country economy. Strong political risks that are deeply rooted in the country governance habit might be barriers to foreign investment and country prosperity. What is going on in West Africa?

Ford Motor Company Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5250 words

Ford Motor Company - Essay Example This report will give a comprehensive analysis of the external and internal factors and aspects that has lead the company to crisis. The first part of the analysis demonstrates a summary about the company and its problems in general. From the analysis in the second part it is found that poor management and decision making is the biggest problem of Ford. Ford is also loosing the market edge on Hybrid and Small cars segment. A fish bone diagram is used to represent the various challenges that have lead to the loss of profitability for Ford. The analysis helped to arrive at the issues which are management, competition, recession and quality. Excessive family control and poor decision making are the major management issues. Similarly, competition from Japanese car makers and other small and hybrid car makers are the major competition lead issues. Low demand and rippling effects of the recession are the recessionary issues. Finally product defects and recalls following that are the qualit y issues that affected ford. The analysis had also put forward various other solutions that will help the company to come back to profitability. Huge reduction of the family’s stake in the business is among the primary solution for Ford. The later part of the report describes a detailed cost benefit analysis for arriving at the right decision for the company. Some of the alternatives solutions available for Ford are as follows: invest huge in R&D, expand the market, develop more small cars, gradually exit the stake from other auto companies, invest in strategic alliances, gradually increase the marketing expenses, emphasize the message of quality. ... Ever since its inception Ford has acquired and sold many of the big brands in the industry. Jaguar & Land Rover and Volvo are the leading ones among them. Following the crisis that hit the company and which almost lead to their failure, it has to restructure itself thoroughly. As a part of it, Ford even discontinued its Mercury brand. Ford was one of the pioneers of ‘Mass Production’ concept. Ford introduced the assembly line system in the automobile production that enabled the roll-over of large number of cars within limited time. The Model T was the first Ford model to undergo assembly line production. â€Å"When the United States became involved in World War I (April 1917), the Ford Motor Company placed its resources at the disposal of the government.† (Funding Universe, 2011) Following the retirement of Henry Ford in 1918, the company’s operations were looked after by his son Edsel Ford. Ford faced the first financial problems in 1921 when the company h ad $58 million in debt and the company had only $20 million with them to meet this. But the various strategic moves that involved sales of maximum automobile and only through cash, reduction of inventories by one third, and various other cost reduction techniques helped them to increase cash inflow. Within no time Ford raised around $87 million which gave them a surplus amount even after meeting all its debt obligations. â€Å"The vision of Ford Motors is to become the world’s leading consumer company for automotive products and services. The mission statement of Ford is to that they are a global family with a proud heritage passionately committed to providing personal mobility for people around the world.  We anticipate consumer need and deliver outstanding products and services that improve people's

Global Geopolitics of the Middle East Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Global Geopolitics of the Middle East - Essay Example However, for investments to flourish continually there has to be stability, which has become threatened by the brutal regimes in existence. An economist at the International Energy Association states that an investment worth over $19 trillion in gas and oil is required from now until 2035. This is where the significance of the Middle East arises from as growth in petroleum supply is expected to come from there and North Africa. This is in spite of the fact that oil has been discovered in other countries, for example, Brazil. Therefore, for this investment to be achieved funds have to be availed and stability in the region needs to be maintained. An example of this is Iraq which is a primary oil producer in the region but has continuously suffered due to instability and targeting of its oil facilities. Another example is Syria, which even though is a small producer, has brought a standstill to foreign investments in the oil sector because of barbaric policies enacted by the government. Historically, the Middle East has been known as the cradle of civilization resulting from discoveries in science and religion and widespread trade activities. In addition, the region is highly acclimatized for its scholarly efforts though the environment has not been conducive for this to be more far-reaching. Consequently, a majority of citizens from various states within the region go to study abroad. Israel, being a democracy and the only Jewish state, has attracted reinforcement of its territories from the U.S. This is because, since the period of the Cold War, U.S has endeavored to ensure continuity of flow of oil and at an affordable price, but initially, this was possible as oil was replacing coal as a source of energy. The Middle East is accountable for an approximate of 40% of oil exports in the world this is because, globally, economic growth and progress has been greatly reliant on carbon-based forms of energy particularly crude oil. More so, there are

Hong Kong Consumers' (Aged 20-40) response to Traditional Chinese Dissertation

Hong Kong Consumers' (Aged 20-40) response to Traditional Chinese herbal medicine and their influence on advertising - Dissertation Example rchase Decisions 3.5 Critical Factors that influence Customers’ Purchase Decisions 3.6 Summary and Conclusion Chapter 4: Research Methodology 4.1 Introduction 4.2 Research Objectives 4.3 Research Approach 4.4 Research Methods 4.5 Research Design 4.4.1 Population and sample size 4.4.2 Data Collection Instrument – Survey Questionnaire 4.4.3 Data Collection Method 4.4.4 Method of Data Analysis 4.5 Pilot Test 4.6 Ethical considerations 4.7 Limitations Chapter 5: Discussion and Analysis 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Findings and Analysis 5.2.1 Age and Income Distribution 5.2.2 Perception about Chinese Herbal Medicine 5.2.2.1 Perception of Parity and Potency of Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM) with respect to the Western Medicine 5.2.2.2 Positive Change in Attitude and Consumption 5.2.2.3 Ad Message/Content Framing and Ad Effectiveness 5.2.2.4 Positive Emotional Response and Ad Effectiveness 5.2.2.5 Heirarchy of Importance for Selection Criteria 5.3 Conclusions Chapter 6: Conclusions and Recommendations 6.1 Conclusions 6.2 Recommendations 6.3 Future Scope of Research Figure 1: Age and Perception of Parity of CHM Figure 2: Income and Perception of Parity of CHM Figure 3: Age and Perception of Potency of Chinese Herbal Medicines Figure 4: Income and Perception of Potency of Chinese Herbal Medicines Figure 5: Positive Attitude Change towards CHM Figure 6: Age and Positive Attitude Change towards CHM Figure 7: Income and Positive Attitude Change towards CHM Figure 8: Reasons for Positive Attitude Change toward CHM Figure 9: Age Difference and Reasons for Attitude Change Figure 10: Income Difference and Reasons for Attitude Change Table A: Conceptual Framework for Research Table 1: Age Group Distribution of the selected sample Table 2: Income Group Distribution of the selected sample... This "Hong Kong Consumers' (Aged 20-40) response to Traditional Chinese herbal medicine and their influence on advertising " essay outlines a positive attitude change towards the CHM, and the reasons ranged from desire to have long and healthy life, increase in income, increase in awareness and the proliferation of infectious diseases in the recent past. Traditional Chinese Medicine originated in ancient China and the practitioners use a combination of methods such as acupuncture and herbs as methods of treatment. The Chinese herbal medicine is unique because it is very different from the way in which other forms of herbal medicines treat the diseases (Connor and Geoffrey, 2001). One major difference is that in the western approach to herbal approach focuses on herbs taken by them. However, in Chinese herbal medicine, the treatment is done through various combinations of herbs. Traditionally, the treatment is not designed for one particular illness; instead, the focus is on a holisti c approach to the treatment. However, with the increase in demand, traditional Chinese medicine now also has a disease-oriented version that can be used after consultation (Deng, 1999). Chinese herbal medicine is very popular in Asian countries and many people prefer to opt for it because it does not have any side effects unlike the allopathic form of medicine (Teeguarden, 1994). In the United States, Traditional Chinese Medicine is considered to be a part of the complementary and alternative medicine (Foster & Yue, 1992).

Case Study -- Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Case Study -- Report - Essay Example The paper is directly relevant to the case in which management of employee relations and commitment to the organization is the crux of all problems encountered at Ancol. (Wilde, 1985) The second paper is â€Å"Fostering an environment of employee contribution to increase commitment and motivation† by Geoffrey C Lloyd. This paper uses a case study to relay its point. It is in light of British Gas Company which succeeded after they implemented their chief executive’s suggestion. The paper emphasizes on various ways in which an environment of employee contribution can be cultivated in an organization. It lays focus on the importance of empowerment, speeding up of communication process between management and employees and offers advice to companies who are thinking of restructuring their organization. The paper is very relevant to Ancol. Even Ancol is struggling with encouraging work place productivity, curbing absteeniesm and establishing sound relations between management and employees. The paper will offer insight into ways of improving things at Ancol and has a rich literature that will give more room for critical thinking and analysis. (LIoyd, 1996) The third paper is â€Å"Work Structuring for employee motivation† by Lyndon Jones. ... This is a relatively small yet important paper that explains ways in which good healthy relationships can be fostered in a work place environment; on the kind of human resource policies that should be adopted. Analysis: Sims had been only recently appointed as the manager of the Sheparton plant of Ancol. This was a very important point in his career and he wanted to set things straight at Ancol by making effective use of his management expertise. When Sims entered Ancol, he realized that the management and employee relations were severely strained within the organization. There were some major tiffs between them and they were not eye to eye with respect to the organizational goals. Hence, the center of all his focus was improving ties between the management and employees. In this bid to improve ties between the management and the employees, he order the removal of time clocks from the plant. He felt that this gesture will bring about a new level of credibility and strengthen relation s between the employees and the management at the site. The impact of this move was not completely productive. It did prove to be fruitful initially but did not have far reaching positive repercussions. The gesture was appreciated initially and many felt that was a positive effort by the plant manager. But the problems began cropping up two months later. Absteenism in the plant rose, productivity levels declined and other issues started emerging. This problem had to be tackled. Sims tried to solve the problem by giving additional responsibilities to supervisors of looking after emplolyee entrance and leaving problems and discussing it with them. but the supervisors had no prior experience at all this and did not have the

Employee Privacy Rights in the Workplace Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Employee Privacy Rights in the Workplace - Essay Example Many employees stealing from companies send the purloined data to their personal e-mail account held at home or on the web. 21 percent burned the information onto CDs." Due to these technological security issues, employers feel the need and have the capability to monitor their employees. E-mails, voice mails, the Internet, telephones, computers, etc. can be use for unregulated monitoring. Employees say this is an invasion of their privacy. Companies say this is a protection of their assets. The law is not clear on whether companies are invading employees' privacy rights regarding information technology so policies must be set and employees must be informed on what is considered to be an invasion of company confidentiality or employee privacy rights. In cases of lawsuits and investigations of regulations, instant messages and e-mail messages are used as the main source of evidence. However, according to the 2004 Workplace E-mail and Instant Messaging Survey, "employers remain largely ill-prepared to manage e-mail and instant messaging risks." It is still not common for businesses to have policies set regarding information technology. Studies have found that 35 percent of companies have any policies set in place and a mere six percent of businesses save electronic business records. However, among those businesses that do "The failure to properly retain e-mail and IM reflects employers' failure to educate employees about e-mail and IM risks, rules, and policies. The fact that 37% of respondents either do not know or are unsure about the difference between an electronic business record that must be retained, versus an insignificant message that may be deleted, suggests that employers are dropping the ball when it comes to effectively managing e-mail and IM use." Company data is not the only thing that is at risk when policies are not in place and implemented. Employee bank account information, social security numbers, contact information, and other confidential information should also be a responsibility of the company's. Grifing (2006) lists that "8,500 FedEx employees had their W-2 forms and salaries inadvertently exposed" and that is regarding just one company alone. Companies can now collect employee genetic information in order to read further into the employees to determine whether or not he or she will perform well on a job and other information. Gahtan (1997) reports, "Employers may also find that they could be held liable for e-mail or Internet-related activities of their employees. In most cases, employee e-mail or Usenet postings carry the employer's name or trade mark as part of the employee's e-mail address. Defamatory, political or religious statements sent outside the company by employees may therefore be attributed to the emp loyer." Employers also have an obligation to provide a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. Inappropriate material circulated internally can create a problem. A subsidiary Employee Privacy Rights 4 of Chevron Corporation settled a